Lucky Me

Lucky......that word describes how I feel about my life. I'm just plain lucky. I have 3 fantastic kids, a wonderful husband and a life that I could have only dreamed to live. Life is good and I want to make sure I acknowledge it. Life is only what you make of it and I plan to make the most of it each and every day.

Gotta Change it....NOW!

Good thing I didn't have a girl as I can't even stomach all this pink on my blog page. I gotta change this page as I thought a little pink could be fun but every time I have looked at it I think of pepto bismol and feel the need to puke so I think it's time to make a change.

Not ready

Keaton is on the verge of losing his left front tooth. It's hanging by a thread but yet we can't get the thing pulled out so there it hangs. Something about him losing this tooth has just made me sad. To be honest I don't really want him to lose his tooth. That smile is the smile that has looked at me for the last 5 year years and I'm just not ready for the toothless grin or the new permanent tooth that will replace it. I'm trying to hold on to little Keaton but he's forging ahead and wasting no time growing up. This morning I dropped him off at school and looked at that sweet smile with all his teeth for the last time as I have a feeling that when I pick him up today he'll be smiling with one less baby tooth:( Keaton however is so excited to be losing another tooth and he can't wait for the tooth fairy to visit. So mommy will take his lead and embrace the fact that he's growing up healthy and happy and this tooth with be part of the new smile that he'll be looking at me with for the rest of his life.

Pink that's right PINK!!

A recent Ryan quote I don't wont to forget. I recently got a new phone and the phone happens to be pink which is about the only pink thing in my life right now. Ryan picked up my phone recently and said "Mom, PINK? Why is your phone pink. Pink is for girls. " I told him I am a girl. He replied..."Your not a girl mom, your a mommy, not a girl!" So there you have it. I'm a mommy not a girl. This is even more reason to have a pink phone. Oh boys!!

Aiden turns the Big "ONE"!! Love you Aiden!

You are a angle sent from heaven and I can't imagine a day without out you in our lives. I wish for you many more healthy,happy years and I feel honored to be your mommy. Love you!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Aiden 11 months

Well it's hard to believe but Aiden is 11months old and just right around the corner from turning the big YEAR OLD. He's such a fantastic kids and he has grown up way to fast in my opinion. Here's what he's got going on:


Weight: 23.8lbs Height: Not sure will be measured at next Dr. appt. at the end of the month
*crawling like a mad man

*cruising on everything SOOOO close to walking. Has taken a step but not so sure about it

*has figured out that getting on his tip toes gets him more height to reach things on the table and other places

*climbing is fun

*cupboards have lots of fun stuff to scatter all over mommy's kitchen

*everything goes in the mouth of a quick taste

*has learned to play tug a war with his brothers when he really has something he wants and they wont give it up

*how to chatter... mama, dada, baba, don,don,(done,done) bye,bye, na,na (I think this means no,no!),oh oh, wawa (I think this is wow),Oh ma (oh my)

*eating about all solids now but still some baby food to make sure we are getting some good fruits and veggie in there for sure (totally loved corn beef and potatoes on St. Patty's Day!)

*loves water and splashing, blows bubbles until he gets water in his nose

*loves playing outside...swinging, playing in the sand box,going down the slide with mom and dad,

*loves music and will do a funny dance when he hears it

*still his smiley happy self. Has gotten over his freak out when mom leaves the room for the most part but we still have moments.

Aiden is a fantastic kid and it's hard to believe that the next post I do will be when he is ONE. That's the reason I'm trying document each stage month by month as it goes so fast and I want to remember everything. All these posts on all the boys are going into a book that I am making for them to look at later when they are older and also for Ben and I to look at time and again as they grow.

*

The Journey

Where has time gone?????? It feels like yesterday that I was pregnant and I felt Aiden kick inside my tummy. Yet that was almost a whole year ago that I was feeling that wonderful feeling. I've always been a sentimental person, but this whole last baby turning one has me all emotional for some reason. I guess I probably just said it. It's my last baby that is growing up way to fast. Aiden has been such a amazing baby and now we are heading into the toddler years and I know he will grow and change tremendously over the next year and months. He's already on the verge of walking and he is already saying Hi,Bye,mama,dada and OHOH, and oh No,Vroom. When I look back 6years and think of when we first had Keaton I was so overwhelmed and scared all the time that I was doing things right, then we had Ryan and the craziness of our household grew but so did Ben and I. I became so much more relaxed and started to just enjoy what it was to be a parent. Now with Aiden I think I've come full circle. I have enjoyed every bit of watching him grow without all the stress that I use to feel. Some days are nuts, and just down right painful but most are unforgettable as I'm watching each of them grow into little men. I have been here to see all the big moments, and I am seeing all my crazy long days pay off as they seem to be well adjusted happy little boys. I'm truly glad that I have taken the time and let go of all the stuff that truly is not important in the big picture and focused on my kids this year. It was a journey to let go of not having a clean,orderly house every minute of the day, to let the kids get messy and enjoy themselves at whatever they were exploring, and to just join in on the fun and let go. As I look at Aiden now I am so amazed by him and thankful that he is mine, yet were did the time go that he grew up right before my very eyes. How does this happen that they were so needy and small and now so independent. Life is such a journey and it goes by so fast,each moment with your family and children is special and you CAN NOT get it back. I am bound and determined to make the most out of each day and treasure the past as memories as those are what can go on forever no matter how much time goes by. So over the next few weeks I will get ready for my babies 1 year Birthday Party and I will look forward not back but a little part in my heart is sad as our family will be saying good by to babyhood for good and say hello to all the new big kid adventures ahead. Oh what fun is still to come!

Seriously

What a long two months it's been. 2010 has not started of so well and all I can do is hope it gets better as I'm not even going to say it can't get any worse as the way my luck is going it will. To start I went into this year feeling confident that it was going to be a great year. I was not pregnant and will never be again, we had paid all the Dr. bills off for the most part, everyone was healthy. Oh and at dinner on New Years my prayer was that everyone we hold dear be in good health. Well....Things quickly changed right out of the gate into 2010. It started of my finding out that my dear niece was born with a cleft palate. Now mind you she is beautiful in every way but this was not expected and was a shock to my sister and brother in law. Then soon after my brother had his first lung collapse. Mind you he's 33 years old and this is just out of the blue. Shocking and very scary and more scary when it happened again a few weeks later and this time it was worse than before. He ended up having lung surgery and spent a week in the hospital. Emotionally it was just draining and seeing my little brother and his family go thru all they did was tough. Brandon however pulled thru and is on the road to recovery and we now just pray this is all behind him. So I thought this would be it, or at least for some time but OH NOOOOOO, Keaton comes down with a nasty virus that includes a high fever, and cough. He misses four days of school and then so graciously shares with Aiden his germs and this leads us into a whole nother emotional roller coaster. Sat. night before Valentines Day Keaton wake us at 12:30am screaming bloody murder that his ears hurt. We consoled him all night and planned on taking him to urgent care in the morning. While he was screaming Aiden was too and running a 102 degree fever and sounded just awful. We were up all night and headed out to urgent care first thing with Keaton. We should have brought Aiden with also as we ended up there a few hours later anyway. Keaton came home with drops and medicine and about an hour later I left to return to urgent care with a VERY sick Aiden. His breathing had become so labored and I couldn't keep him awake. I knew something was VERY wrong. Once at urgent care the nurse took his pulse ox and before I knew it I had 3 other nurses and the Dr. putting an oxygen mask on my poor baby and telling me we needed to head to the ER and he would be admitted. What????? I was just at the Pediatrician on Friday and she didn't seem that alarmed so I was shocked that they thought he was so bad he need to go to the ER and be admitted into the hospital. To make a very long story short Aiden was diagnosed with RSV and Pneumonia oh and not to the mention an ear infection. The poor kid was so sick and I could do nothing. We spent 4nights in the hospital and thankfully we are now home. Aiden is doing well. Still on oxygen 24/7 but eating well and smiling that amazing smile he has.
So seriously can we now have a break. My nerves can't take much more at this point.

Aiden 10 Months

Little Aiden is growing up and in a few short months he'll be ONE YEAR OLD~!!! For some reason this just is so hard to believe. Aiden continues to be such a delight in every way. I tear up if I allow myself to think of how fast he has grown. My last baby boy and I want to enjoy every minute of that baby part.

So here is the boys stats for 10 months.

*Weight almost 23lbs

*Heights 31inches

*Crawling like a mad man

*Cruising and learning to push his walker

*Standing alone for long periods of time

*Can scale stairs no problem

*Loves music and will dance when he hears it. Pretty cute to watch

*Having some separation anxiety start (not so happy about this milestone)

*No new teeth

*Eats EVERYTHING ..... Loves fresh bananas most of all and will eat an entire banana in a sitting!

*Loves books right now-pages threw them and of course chewing them

*Everything goes into the mouth

*I have given all my bottles away and hes on the boob most of the time and takes the cup now without any problem.

*Likes water and has a little apple juice and LOVED it!

*Started saying OH OH and something that sounds like HI, also very clear are Mama and Dada

*Still has a smile that lights up a room and uses it often, also has a very funny mad and sad face that is just plain pitiful.

*18 month clothes and size 4 diapers

Once again one great kids doing amazingly well !! We are so blessed!

A Reading Foul!!

Absolutely amazing is the words that come to mind when I sit with Keaton to read and do homework now. HE CAN READ!!! When I say this I mean really read books,signs, ect... not only can he read but he is a fantastic speller. I don't know why this absolutely amazes me as I've seen many children learn to read and do all kinds of things while I was teaching but there's something about watching your own child learn to do things that is so amazing and special. Now don't get me wrong he isn't reading chapter books yet but he is able to pick up many of the books we have and read the majority of what is written on any given page. His sight word list is almost mastered and he's kicking butt. I'm so proud of him and yet a little sad as my baby is growing up right before my very eyes. Love you Keaty!!

He Shoots and he Scores!!

This past Sat. was Keaton's first basketball game and I have to say it was a memorable one at that. The team consists of all kindergartners who have all practiced a total of 3 times. Last practice they learned how to play defense with their arms out and about the fact that you have to dribble the ball and you can't just walk up to the basket. This being said they had their first game and I have to say they kicked some butt. I was expecting total chaos but I was pleasantly happy to watch an actual game. Now mind you it's 2 kindergarten teams who are just learning the game so there is plenty to smile and giggle about but overall these boys did GREAT. Keaton scored 4 baskets and his whole team did awesome. I am amazed how quick they picked up the game and can't wait to see how they play after more practices under their belt. GOOOOOO Bears!!!!!!

Aiden is 9 months

Little Aiden is not slowing down a bit and It's hard to believe all the milestones he's reached already. He still is the happiest baby I've ever seen and makes my heart melt each and every time I look at his sweet face. At his 9month appt. he weighed in at 22.6lbs, 30inches long. He is one healthy, happy little guy who god has blessed us with and we couldn't be any luckier.

Miles stone for this month:

*crawling at 100mph

*pulling up on anything and everything and trying to cruise around

*saying Mama,DADA very clearly along with gaga,baba and lots of other sounds

*takes the sippy cup without any problem--likes water now--still not starting juice(to much sugar)

*loves all baby food, still has not turned his nose up to a thing

*loves solids--toast,spaghetti,pasta,English muffins.real peaches,pears,peas,sweet potatoes and regular mashed potatoes,waffles,pancakes, you name it the kids loves to eat

*Still holding at 8 teeth with one eye tooth working it's way out as his gum is swollen and red

*still loves his pacifier and his lovey puppy

*still a pretty great sleeper and fantastic napper

*fights and flips when trying to change his diaper or get dressed. This drives mommy and daddy nutty!!!

*starting to wave

*loves music

*loves to watch his brothers and try and get into whatever they got going on

*Wearing 18 month clothes

Overall just one fantastic kid!!!!

The holidays 2009

Time just seems to be flying by and I just cant keep up. I don't know if it's because I have 3 kids that keep me so busy that I don't know which way is up or down or if it's because time flies when your having fun but no matter what it is time is surely flying by. Christmas was wonderful and each year seems to get better and better. The kids bring so much fun to the season. Their since of wonderment and awe of the simple things brings such joy to Ben and I. Santa and Jack (for those of you who have seen the Nightmare before Christmas you know who Jack is) came to visit and was very kind and generous. The boys received lots of fun gifts and had so much fun Christmas morning. I heard pitter patter of feet at around 8am and listened as Keaton and Ryan went downstairs to see if Santa had paid them a visit. Once downstairs all I heard was Ohhhs and Awes. Listening to the two of them chatting and being so excited was enough to make all the craziness worth it. We all gathered around and they started at their stocking which by the time we made it downstairs they had already emptied and were digging threw there loot. We spent the morning opening gifts, eating sticky buns which mommy makes every year and then mom and dad clean up and kids play with all their new found treasures. Aiden even got in on the fun for his first Christmas as Santa gave him some new teething rings which he put to good use right away. Later that morning we headed to Uncle Brandon and Auntie Jen's for a wonderful Christmas lunch and family time. The holidays are truly a time to be together and recognize just how lucky we truly are and we are truly blessed.


The day after Christmas we headed out to the airport where we spent over 10 wonderful hours in airports and planes which was a true test to Ben and my parenting skills. After lots of delays and weather issues we landed in Washington DC where we started our second Christmas. We had a wonderful time visiting Ben's family, friends,touring DC museums and monuments. We celebrated Ben's Birthday and went to some friends for New Years WITHOUT KIDS!! We enjoyed a wonderful week and now are home where we are trying to get back into a routine and catch up on sleep. Traveling with 3 kids is exhausting but we did it and it actually wasn't all that bad. It wasn't relaxing that's for sure but there were no melt downs,accidents or anything embarrassing other than me putting a women in front Ben in her place for being rude. Mind you she apologized and said she was wrong by the end of the almost 4 hour flight. Don't mess with my boys ladies!! She ASSumed Keaton was going to kick her seat and I heard her tell the person next to her that. Well , if I could hear it , so could Keaton who was sitting right next to me. He was confused why the lady was saying he was going to kick her seat and that she didn't want to be seated next to him. I proceeded to tell her how rude it was to say this right in front of him and she should wait till he at least kicked her seat once before complaining! Mind you he is a great kid, great flier and we DO NOT let our kids kick the seat or act up on a plane or anywhere else. If he had kicked it I would understand but he had done NOTHING. After the almost 4 hr. flight was almost over she apologized and told Keaton that he and his brothers were all very well behaved and good boys. Darn right lady!!! The kids were great travelers both on the way out and back home. We are now home and working on getting back into the rountine of our everyday life. Mom is happy to have everyone back in their own beds and NOT sharing a room with an infant who come to find out does NOT sleep when they share a room. Overall our holidays were fantastic and I'm sad to have put away the stockings, and tree until next year. The next few months are filled with Birthdays and the count down till spring. We are over winter in this household.

Party Time

Time is flying by and things are being crossed off my to do list and my calendar of events is still busy but it's sure hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. Keaton enjoyed a wonderful week at school last week finishing with his Holiday party at school on Friday in which I was able to attend and enjoy with him. His teacher had 4 fun stations for the kids to do activities. Another mom and I were in charge of the cookie decorating station. The kids were awesome and I got a chance to meet all of his little classmates which he was tickled about. It was so much fun and I was plain exhausted afterwards. No rest for the weary however as the next day was our Christmas party so had to keep at it to get ready. With some help from Ben with last minute store runs and him calming my nerves with his calm and level headed demeanor we were ready for the party. We had a wonderful party if you ask me. We ended up having around 26 people come to the party and my house was packed. Thank goodness we moved furniture around or we would have NEVER fit everyone in so comfortable. All the food was gone,all the liquor for the most part was gone, and all the beer was drank. In other wards it was a great time. All the time and energy put into it was well worth it and look forward to next years party!!! Now its on to cookie day today and planning the menu for Christmas eve and somewhere packing. Oh and last minute shopping to be done. Well I better get off this computer and get going.

They have moved on and I've just caught up!!!

So confused.... we are having our Christmas party today so I went out last night to get a few last minute items. I thought I'd stop by Lowes next to Party City and grab a few more Poinsettias for the party. Well.......THEY DIDN'T HAVE ONE POINSETTIA!!! Not a one folks and on top of that they had moved all the decorations and Christmas stuff to the sale isle and it was all marked 50% off. OK, I love a bargain and all but it's a week before Christmas and you've all ready moved on. My brain can't keep up. Back in August when I walked into a store and saw Christmas stuff I was weirded out but now I go in when I expect to see Christmas stuff and they've moved on before the day has even gotten here. The sales associate said that they did all this last week, so that's 2 weeks before the holiday. I can't keep up and I'm a bit annoyed that I couldn't even get a poinsettia. I'm sure I'll go in tomorrow and see Valentines day stuff. Ugggggh!!

It's looking alot like Chirtmas!

The tree is up (I'm over a week late with this post!) for Christmas 2009 and once again we had lots of fun decorating. This year was a little different than previous years as we got an artificial tree this year due to us traveling over the holidays. Never the less the boys had lots of fun listening to Christmas music,decorating and having hot chocolate. They all looked adorable in their Christmas PJ's. It's looking alot like Christmas around the Kley house. Ho Ho Ho!!!

Aiden is 8 months

Well little peanut is 8months today and boy has he been busy this past month. He's still a big boy weighing in at 20.6 lbs and 99% in height. Long and lean is how we seem to grow them in this house. Aiden so far is the longest so will be interesting how tall he'll end up.

Here's what he's been up to:
*Has begun eating crackers and some table food cut into very small bites. Still eating baby food like a champ. Hasn't turned his nose up to a thing. He's a great eater. Loved mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving.

*Is really working on crawling. He gets up on his knees and rocks back n forth but so far only is going backwards. He gets where he wants though by rolling, scooting and inching. If he wants it he finds a way to get it.

*Has 7 teeth --4 on top and 3 on bottom (another bottom tooth is working it's way through right now so soon will have 8)

*Starting to have separation Anxiety when I leave the room or set him down. Driving mommy a little nuts but know it will pass so trying to hang in there.

*Loves playing toys. Sits on the floor and plays for very long periods of time.

*Still very happy and smiley little guy. He's so laid back and content. We can take him anywhere and he's the best boy out of all 3.

*Some nights he's a great sleeper others not so great. The separation thing is not helping along with cutting a tooth. So each night is an adventure.

*Had his first ear infection last month which was no fun but doing better now.

Overall Aiden is doing great and is just yummy. I cant get enough of him each day.

Bye,Bye November~Hello December I hope your kinder to us!

We have almost made it through November and what a month it was. NON-Stop sick kids, no sleep the entire month due to all the sick kiddos and frazzled nerves not to mention the dent it put into my pocket book this month due to all the co-pays I paid with all the Dr. visits. We fought tummy bugs, sinus infections,one ear infection for Aiden and 2 for poor Ryan. We have finally had this past week where NO ONE WAS SICK. I felt so blessed that we were all healthy for Thanksgiving and pray we can stay this way. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at my parents home. We all ate way to much, played some games indoor and out and just enjoyed spending time together. I even braved going out to a few stores this year on Black Friday. Don't worry it wasn't in the middle of the night. 1pm in the afternoon and it was still nuts.Jen and I had fun finding deals and hanging out on a girls adventure. I have completed almost all of my Christmas shopping only a few items left. We went and bought a artificial tree last night since we are leaving the day after Christmas to fly to see Ben's family. I am sad not to have a real tree this year but not really safe to have a real tree in the house drying out while we are not here. Let''s just say FIRE HAZARD!!! So artificial tree it is this year. Clearing out a spot in the front window and will have fun tonight with Christmas music and hot chocolate to decorate. I love this time of year and the kids just make it so much fun. I truly have so much to be thankful for. So I am saying happily "Good Bye November and Hello to December !!!"

Aiden is now 7 months!!

Hard to believe that my little Aiden is already 7months and he continues to be such a wonderful light in our our lives. This month we have had some big milestones that he's reached which makes mommy proud but a little sad as my little baby is growing WAY TO FAST!! We went to the Dr. on Friday and Aiden is growing by leaps and bounds. He is 20.6 lbs (88% on charts), length 30inches long (99%on charts) so as you can see he is a VERY tall little guy. I am just thankful he's healthy and growing so wonderfully.

As you can see in the pictures and video below he is a happy,carismaic little man who makes mommy's heart melt each and every day.

Milestones and growth this month:

*eating all solids, there's nothing he's turned his nose up to yet. He's a great eater.

*loves Cheerios and puffs and beginning to get them into his own mouth.

*getting a hang of the cup even better now.

*Sitting up really well

*Is trying to crawl, he rolls around and scouches to get something if he wants it.

*Very chatty and hearing da,da more now.

*Has developed some separation anxiety when mommy leaves the room.

*IN LOVE WITH HIS BROTHERS, they come near and he lights up and giggles.

*Getting 4 top teeth and one bottom tooth to add to the cute two bottom teeth that he has had since 4 months. Getting these teeth all at once has been very hard on little Aiden. Our normally smiley baby has had some nights of screaming, and misery for all. Thankfully all but one is peaking thru so hopefully we are thru the worst for now.

*Had his first flu shot on Tues. and developed a low grade fever and sniffles.

*Loves bouncing in the jumperoo and excersaucer.

*Looked cute on Halloween but didn't care for being dressed up and just wanted a boob and bed.

*Still a decent sleeper but the teeth have messed us up alot. Mommy is still trying to adjust.

Overall Aiden is doing great and I am so in love with my little man. Slow down buddy!! Mommy is trying to take it all in. Below is a video of our sweet boy playing with his toys. You can hear him giggle and laugh. Enjoy.